Capsular Contracture

What is capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture is the term used to describe abnormal thickening of the normally- occurring scar tissue (capsule) that the body forms around all silicone breast implants, during a reconstruction or augmentation . In most patients the capsule is nice and soft and the patient will not have any problems. However, there are chances a proportion of patients (15%) may show the signs of abnormal capsule formation – contracture. There are different grades of severity of contractures and patients may get pain, hardening and/or a change in the shape of the breast. Capsular contracture may also be the result of chest wall radiation associated with a bilateral mastectomy, which may be treated and corrected with surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the treatment involve?

Mr Banwell believes the best treatment for the symptoms of capsular contracture formation is to remove all the scar tissue (capsule) surrounding the implant (a capsulectomy). However, in some patients just releasing the tightness of the capsule (a capsulotomy) may be more appropriate. This is usually combined with the insertion of new implants (implant exchange) or expanders.

What are the benefits?

Capsulectomy or capsulotomy and the exchange of your breast implants will improve the shape of your breast and help create a softer feel once more. It may also relieve the pain that capsular contracture sometimes causes.

The duration of surgery?

The surgery can take anything up to 3 hours depending on the complexity and severity of the problem. Drains are usually inserted on each side, and these will normally stay in for 1-2 days - the amount of drainage fluid produced is usually more than that produced after your first breast implant operation (but will vary from patient to patient) so be prepared for a couple of days in hospital.

After surgery?

The recovery is often similar to your original operation although this will vary from patient to patient. Mr Banwell recommends you commence wearing a sports bra immediately after your drains are removed and you should continue wearing this day and night for 8 weeks. After the surgery the wound will be dressed with brown micropore tape which is waterproof. You will be able to shower the day after leaving hospital after which you can pat the tape dry with a towel and then use a hair-dryer on a warm setting to ensure the tape is completely dry. You will normally be able to return to work after 2 weeks depending upon how you feel.

Recovery?

In the first week following surgery you should take things very easy, preventing any mishaps. The following week you will find you can do much more and may be ready to return to work. You should avoid lifting and carrying for 2 weeks following surgery and strenuous exercise/physical activity should be avoided for 6 weeks following the surgery to prevent damage to your breasts and their new implants. Many patients find gentle cardiovascular exercises and having a massage are fine after a few weeks. You can drive when you feel safe to perform an emergency stop otherwise you insurance company may invalidate your insurance.

Success and satisfaction?

The operation has a high success rate and patients are grateful once more for a soft, natural breast. However, unfortunately, once an abnormal thickened capsule (capsular contracture) has occurred, recurrence is possible and Mr Banwell will want to follow you up and perform revisions on a regular basis, in the interests of prevention.

What are the complications of surgery

Unfortunately complications can occur following any surgery and patients need to be fully aware of this. Mr Banwell does his utmost to minimise the complication rate and likes to practise in a safe manner. The commonest complications are bleeding, haematoma formation and the need to return to theatre, as well as suffering infection, removal of implants, numbness, alteration in nipple sensation, asymmetry in the healing and the final result, palpability, visibility, rippling, clots in the legs and lungs and of course further capsular contracture.